Rapid access breast clinic in Windsor

Private Rapid Access Breast Clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor

At Princess Margaret Hospital we offer a consultant-led private Rapid Access Breast Clinic to patients based in Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot.

We aim to provide rapid investigation, and guide patients from diagnosis through to treatment, including a complete package of care tailored to each patient's individual needs.

Where possible, all necessary tests will be carried out in one hospital visit to enable your Consultant to reach a diagnosis and to discuss with you any private treatment that may be required.

How to book a rapid access breast clinic appointment in Windsor

If you are experiencing breast changes or symptoms that you want to be investigated, you can book in for a rapid-access appointment with one of our breast specialists near you. Give us a call and our advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you. We often have same-day appointments available at the clinic.

Do I need a GP referral?

A referral from a GP or a NHS breast centre is necessary if you have private medical insurance, to ensure that all costs are covered.

If you are using our self-pay option, the referral is not required but it is always recommended that you see your GP before beginning any treatment.

Rapid Access Breast Clinic opening times

• Clinics run Monday to Friday
• Urgent consultations are available upon the discovery of a new breast symptom such as a lump

What does the Private Rapid Access Breast Clinic service in Windsor include?

You will have up to 30 minutes consultation with a private Consultant Breast Surgeon. The Consultant may recommend further investigations and where possible these will be carried out on the same day. We have a team of breast care nurses who will be able to support the service where required. This might include:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• Core Biopsy

What are the benefits of the Private Rapid Access Breast Clinic service in Windsor?

• We provide rapid access to imaging equipment, including full field digital mammography, high definition ultrasound and MRI
• All breast imaging is performed and reported on by a Specialist Breast Consultant Radiologist
• Continuity of care from a dedicated specialist team who bring a personal approach to your care and investigation
• Imaging results are available the same day and biopsy results within 5 days

Our Private Rapid Access Breast Clinic team at Princess Margaret Hospital

• Ms Sunita Shrotria, Consultant Breast Surgeon
• Ms Dominika Predolac, Consultant Breast Surgeon
• Mr Maisam Fazel, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
• Mr Manish Kothari, Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon
• Dr Liz Bellamy, Consultant Radiologist
• Dr Amrita Kumar, Consultant Radiologist
• Dr Dimetrios Tzias, Consultant Radiologist

Our Private Breast Care Team is a professional multidisciplinary group, working closely together to guide and support our patients.

Our team provide a personal approach within a modern, well-equipped facility ensuring you receive prompt attention and continuity of care.

Payment Options

Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

Breast cancer FAQs

We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer.

What causes breast cancer?

It isn’t known exactly what causes breast cancer, but certain risk factors have been identified that may increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: Breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 50
• Family history of breast cancer
• Hormonal factors. Being exposed to oestrogen for a longer period of time or in higher amounts, such as if you start your periods early, go through menopause late, don’t have children, don’t breastfeed, or use hormonal treatments such as the contraceptive pill or HRT
• Being overweight or obese, particularly after the menopause
• Lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol and smoking
• Having had breast cancer before
• Having dense breast tissue
• Past exposure to radiation, such as radiotherapy

How to check for breast cancer

To identify any changes in your breasts early, it’s important to familiarise yourself with what is normal for you. A breast self-examination is a monthly self-check to pick up any changes early. Do your self-examination on the same day every month. If you have periods, perform your self-examination a few days after your period ends when your breasts are less swollen and tender.

To perform a breast self-examination:

Look

Look at your breasts in the mirror to check for changes in size and shape as well as skin changes like thickening of your skin, dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, pulling, skin redness, or a rash around your nipple. Start with your arms straight down by your sides, then repeat your check with your arms raised above your head and finally with your hands on your hips.

Touch

Using the pads of your three middle fingers, use light, medium and firm pressure to press around your entire breast area, including under your breast and nipple, and your armpit, using circular motions. Perform the examination standing and then repeat while lying down.

Check

Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any discharge.

What is secondary breast cancer?

Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, stage 4 breast cancer or advanced breast cancer, is when cancer cells that originated in the breast spread to other parts of your body.

Secondary breast cancer can be treated but not cured, which makes it all the more important to catch breast cancer early.

Does breast cancer hurt?

Most of the time, early stage breast cancer does not cause pain. A breast cancer lump is usually painless. Pain is not a reliable indication of breast cancer, so if you are experiencing any of the breast changes below, you should consult a doctor even if there is no pain:

• A new or persistent lump
• Nipple changes
• Unusual discharge (especially if it’s clear or contains blood)
• Skin dimpling
• Changes in size or shape of one breast
• Any redness or warmth

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes, men can develop breast cancer, however it’s much less common in men than in women. Only around 1% of all cases of breast cancer are in men.